ROAD FC $1 MILLION TOURNAMENT OPENING ROUND

Amartuvshin Khuukhenkhuu: Mongolian heart and pride

Amartuvshin Khuukhenkhuu – nicknamed Amaraa – is one of two Mongolians representing in the ROAD FC $1 Million Tournament. At Xiaomi ROAD FC 040 on July 15, he will fight in the opening round against Shinji Sasaki.

Amaraa comes from a similar background to most tough Mongolian fighters: he transitioned through different combat sports, excelled, and found his way to MMA. 

“My fighting base is judo and sambo. And rugby! I used to play rugby on the Mongolian national team. Actually, I always had interest in competing so decided to try combat sambo. After that I tried MMA and BJJ. One of Mongolia's first generation of MMA fighters, Munkhbayasgalan, is the one who got me into MMA, he was my mentor. Also, of course, I was inspired by Mongolia's MMA idol Jadamba Narantungalag.”

Over the last 7 years, he has fought in MGL-1, Legend FC, and RUFF. Although his Sherdog record shows just 4-3, there are unrecorded fights bringing his correct tally to 8-3. Amaraa has only been knocked out once, and has since shown off his toughness, intelligence, and some great wrestling.

“I've been the MGL-1 Champion three times, I've medalled in judo competitions for many years, and I also won gold at the Mongolian No Gi grappling competition in 2015.  I'm fast, smart, and tactical. My ground game is solid from wrestling, and now my stand up is good too.”

Juggling a career in the police force, a family with two children, and a sparse competition scene in Mongolia has made it difficult for Amaraa to grow his career. But as a true martial artist, he is driven, and he has persisted against the odds.

“My family is always afraid that I might somehow get injured, but they keep supporting me. As a martial artist, I always strive to become a better fighter everyday.  So being an MMA fighter is very important, because it means that every time I step into the cage, I get to be one step closer to that.”

As Amaraa has spent most of his career fighting in China, he was selected for the China Trials at the end of 2016. In the 8-man tournament, he ended up matched with grappling ace and former RUFF champ Rodrigo Caporal. It was a grueling display, but Amaraa kept his cool and showed of his tactical side. Caporal had missed weight and earned penalties, meaning he couldn't win unless he finished the fight.

“With Rodrigo, I wanted to play it safe and smart as he was overweight, and the match was only 2 rounds. Everything went exactly as planned.”

It wasn't the most exciting of fights, and Amaraa knew this. So when he faced Shang Lianru at ROAD FC 38 for his final trials match, a different Amaraa came out to play.

“With the next match, I just wanted to finish it fast. I knew I would need to heal my body for the next round.”

And now, Amaraa has earned his shot in the opening round of the $1 Million Tournament. It's a dream come true for all of the fighters in the tournament, that can't be denied. Amaraa has fought abroad for much of his career, and he's been with Mongolian fighters who have had great chances in many promotions. For him, his might be the defining moment for MMA in Asia.

“This is the first time that a promotion in Asia is going to give out such a huge prize; this is great for the MMA industry. ROAD FC events and this tournament are very well organized. High level events + high level athletes = awesomeness! I am pumped up and honored to be in the opening round.”

The next challenge for Amaraa will be a big one, both mentally and physically. This is the opening round, and every match will be win or die, there are no second chances. Amaraa's opponent Shinji Sasaki is highly experienced and has become a mainstay in ROAD FC already. So, he's taking the match more seriously than any in his life.

“He's a good all-around fighter. I would say this fight won't end up in the judges' hands. I have combat sambo world champs, BJJ champs, kickboxing champs, karate champs, and Olympic boxing champs who are all helping me with my camp. Also my teammate Damlanpurev is a huge help to me. He was the World Combat Sambo champ two times. So Shinji, train hard because I am ready.”

Amaraa knows that the fans in the live audience will be familiar with Sasaki, but he's not letting it become a factor.

“Fighting in Korea is always exciting as I get to show myself to the high-energy Korean fans. Please keep on supporting me, I won't let you down!”

Out of all the fighters in this tournament, there are bound to be some crossovers with fighters who have already met. Amaraa faced Japan Trials winner Shimoishi Kota before, and lost to a decision. And he's eager to make a rematch happen, if given the chance.

“I fought Shimoishi in Mongolia's MGL-1 vs DEEP event. I lost by split decision. He was the better man that night. I am looking forward to knocking him out in the near future.  But right now, I am only focused on my opening round fight at this moment.”

Amaraa has big plans at home for the grand prize. He would like to reinvest in the sport that has given him so much.

“First of all, I would like to thank ROAD FC for giving me this opportunity to be part of it. I am really honored. This means a lot to me and to Mongolia's MMA future. If I win that $1 million, I am going to build a great gym in Mongolia and help Mongolian MMA get even stronger.”

Amaraa's Mongolian fortitude is amazing to watch in the cage, and it comes from a very strong sense of purpose and determination.

“This is the biggest moment in my career. As a Mongolian MMA champion, I always wanted to be on the international stage and get an international belt. And this is it, this is the time. I will become champion of ROAD FC!”

But, there's one special person he wants to acknowledge before everything kicks off, and that's ROAD FC Lightweight Champion Kwon A-Sol. 

“Kwon A-Sol, I am coming for your belt!”

Amartuvshin Khuukhenkhuu faces Shinji Sasaki in the opening round of the $1 Million Lightweight Tournament at Xiaomi ROAD FC 040 on July 15, 2017 in Seoul, South Korea.